Self-Reported Symptoms in Elderly Predict Readmission

Last Updated: December 20, 2017.
Post-discharge symptoms self-reported by frail, elderly adults may predict 30-day hospital readmission and emergency department visits, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Frail, elderly adults with shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, drowsiness more likely to be readmitted

The researchers found that 51 participants returned to the hospital within 30 days of discharge: 13 had emergency department visits and 38 were readmitted. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or Charlson Comorbidity Index between returning and nonreturning participants. However, returning participants were significantly more likely to report shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, and drowsiness. Overall Edmonton Symptom Assessment System score was also a significant predictor of hospital return.

"Including symptoms in risk stratification of high-risk elderly adults may help target interventions and reduce readmissions," the authors write.